The sum of 5 and a number equals 14

Answer 1

Hi Leanna,

The information we're given allows us to set up an algebra problem. The sum of 5 and a number equals 14:

1. sum means addition: +
2. of 5: 5 + ____
3. and a number, we'll call the variable n
4. Equals 14: =14

The resulting problem:

5 + n = 14

To solve, we must get n by itself. We can do this by subtracting 5 from both sides:

5 - 5 + n = 14 - 5

n = 9

The answer is n = 9